The European Union has expressed vehement disapproval of the recent 20-year prison sentence handed down to media mogul Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong. Lai, a prominent pro-democracy advocate, was convicted of breaching Hong Kong's national security law and conspiring with foreign forces. His family described the ruling as draconian and unjust, pointing out Lai's poor health and age as significant factors that should have led to a milder sentence. The EU has issued a statement urging Hong Kong authorities to release Lai immediately and restore press freedom, highlighting growing tensions between the region and Western nations regarding human rights and free speech.

Lai has faced serious health challenges while incarcerated, suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, which have reportedly worsened during his time in solitary confinement. His legal team, led by defense attorney Robert Pang, argued for leniency due to his age and health issues. The stark prison sentence comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of Hong Kong's legal framework under the national security law, which critics claim is used to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices. Lai's case symbolizes the challenges faced by journalists and activists in Hong Kong and reflects broader concerns over the erosion of civil liberties in the region.

As international reactions to Lai's sentencing gain momentum, the Hong Kong Committee in Norway has highlighted his plight, emphasizing that Lai has spent five years in solitary confinement, devoid of natural light and basic human contact. Such conditions have sparked outrage and calls for accountability and reform within Hong Kong's legal and penal systems. The EU's call for Lai's release signifies a growing concern for human rights abuses in Hong Kong and indicates potential diplomatic tensions as more countries join in condemnation of the ruling against Lai.